Ever been annoyed by rising film prices, unreliable shutters, or the dreaded wait for results? 

You’re not alone.

Let’s be honest: shooting film can come with challenges that digital photographers never have to think about. 

And yet, many people are avid film photographers - for the feel, for the look, for the experience, or because that old vintage camera is cheaper than buying a new modern one. 

The 10 biggest challenges film photographers encounters, and how you can overcome each one.  

But first, let me come clean.  While I took the original picture of this Kodak Brownie Holiday camera above (before it was hearticized), I am not a film photographer myself. But! I live with one. And I have many friends into photography of all kinds including film... in fact, this is Rhuckus sources some of the vintage cameras and pre-owned equipment we sometimes sell. Based on listening to them, asking a lot of questions, and then going back to ask more, we put together this post. 

Let us know what you think!  If I got anything wrong, or you have a different challenge or solution in mind, please share in the comments.

1. Film Availability & Cost

The Problem: Many classic film stocks have been discontinued, and those that remain are getting more expensive. Rising costs and limited availability are making film photography increasingly difficult for hobbyists and professionals alike.

The Fix:

• Buy in bulk – Prices per roll are often cheaper in larger packs.
• Explore alternative brands – Lomography, CineStill, and Film Washi are producing new films.
• Use expired film – It can still work if stored well (just be prepared for unpredictable results!).
• Monitor new film releases – Keep an eye on brands like Kodak and Ilford, which continue to invest in new emulsions.

 

2. Developing & Processing Film

The Problem: Film labs are disappearing, and developing at home can be intimidating. Additionally, film processing is more expensive than ever, and quality control varies between labs.

The Fix:

• Find community darkrooms – Many cities have shared spaces where you can develop film.  Or try your local library, community college, or maker's space.
• Try home development kits – Caffenol (coffee-based developer) is an easy, eco-friendly option.
• Use mail-in labs – Services like The Darkroom and Indie Film Lab make it easy to send film for development.
• Invest in a reliable home setup – Learning to develop your own film provides control over quality and consistency.

3. Camera Repairs & Maintenance

The Problem: Vintage cameras need servicing, but skilled technicians are becoming rare. Many cameras have mechanical issues due to age, and spare parts are increasingly difficult to source.

The Fix:

• Join online repair groups – Communities like the Camera Rescue Project and Reddit can help.
• Find a trusted repair specialist – Look for experts like Nippon Photoclinic or Youxin Ye for Leicas.
• Learn basic repairs – Books like Camera Maintenance & Repair by Thomas Tomosy are great resources.
• Consider CLA (Clean, Lubricate, Adjust) services – Routine maintenance extends the life of your camera.

4. Light Leaks & Mechanical Failures

The Problem: Older cameras can develop quirks, like light leaks, stuck shutters, or faulty meters, often ruining entire rolls of film.

The Fix:

• Check for light leaks – Use a flashlight in a dark room to spot leaks, then seal them with black gaffer tape.
• Run a dummy roll first – Test the camera with an old roll before shooting anything important.
• Use external light meter apps – Smartphone apps like Light Meter Free help ensure proper exposure.
• Consider refurbished or CLA’d cameras – Investing in a professionally serviced camera reduces risks.

5. Mastering Manual Controls

The Problem: Vintage cameras often lack autofocus, built-in meters, or auto-exposure settings, requiring a strong understanding of exposure and composition.

The Fix:

• Learn the Sunny 16 Rule – A simple way to estimate exposure based on light conditions.
• Use a handheld light meter – Brands like Sekonic offer reliable exposure readings.
• Take notes – Keep a photography journal to track what works best for different lighting conditions.
• Practice with digital cameras in manual mode – This helps build confidence in using film cameras.

5. Digitizing Hardcopy Photos

The Problem: Getting film photos onto a computer requires scanning, which can be slow and costly. High-quality film scans can be expensive, and home scanning has a learning curve.

The Fix:

• Use a DSLR or mirrorless camera – Photograph negatives with a macro lens instead of using a scanner.
• Invest in a film scanner – The Epson V600 is great for beginners; the Nikon Coolscan is pro-level.
• Let the lab scan for you – Many film labs offer digital scans with development.
• Use software like Negative Lab Pro – Converts scanned negatives into high-quality digital images.

7. Storing & Preserving Film

The Problem: Film degrades over time, especially when exposed to heat or humidity. Proper storage is essential to maintain image quality.

The Fix:

• Refrigerate film – Keeps it fresh longer, but let it warm up before using to avoid condensation.
  
• Use archival sleeves – Acid-free storage helps protect negatives.
• Shoot expired film strategically – Lower ISO expired film holds up better than high ISO stocks.
• Keep negatives in climate-controlled storage – Protects them from environmental damage.

8. The Slow Feedback Loop

The Problem: Unlike digital, you can’t see your shot immediately, so mistakes might go unnoticed, leading to wasted film and missed opportunities.

The Fix:

• Bracket your exposures – Take multiple shots at slightly different settings to ensure a good result.
• Use instant film for practice – Polaroid and Instax give quick feedback while maintaining an analog feel.
• Practice with a digital camera – Learning manual settings on digital can help perfect your film technique.
• Keep a shooting log – Note camera settings to analyze what worked and what didn’t.

9. Traveling with Film Cameras

The Problem: Airport X-ray scanners can damage film, especially high ISO stocks. Security procedures vary, making travel stressful.

The Fix:

• Request a hand check – TSA and many international security teams allow this upon request. (I have a hard time including this because it doesn't sound ideal, but it was something someone told me they had done sooo...)
• Use a lead-lined bag cautiously – Some scanners increase intensity if they detect shielding.
• Stick to low ISO film – ISO 100–200 is less sensitive to X-ray damage than high-speed film.
• Research airport policies in advance – Different countries have varying procedures.

10. Film Counterfeits & Scams

The Problem: Some sellers repackage expired or poorly stored film as “new,” leading to disappointing results.

The Fix:

• Buy from trusted sources – B&H, Adorama, Freestyle Photo, and The Film Photography Project are reliable.
• Inspect packaging – Fake film may have typos, mismatched branding, or odd expiration dates.
• Test before committing – Buy a single roll before bulk orders from unknown sources.
• Follow online forums – The film community often shares warnings about unreliable sellers.

Yes - photographs are what cameras produce, but photography is an experience.  And yes, film has it's fair share of challenges. But despite the venting I heard from every film photographer (all hobbyists, I should note) not one of them mentioned or even appeared to consider stopping.  Some use digital and film cameras strategically, but almost all of them said film was secretly their favorite.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced in film photography?

Have you found a creative workaround or something better than what I have here? Drop your thoughts in the comments! 

Do you have a favorite film photography hack? Let us know in the comments.